Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree )

Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) green and red plant in a clay pot container
Euphorbia trigona fa. rubra

Botanical name: Euphorbia trigona

Common name: African Milk Tree

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Origin: South Africa

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 10-11

Small tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Moderate
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Irritating plantIrritating or toxic: Irritating
Thorny or spinyThorns: Thorny or spiny

Euphorbia trigona, commonly known as African milk tree, is a succulent shrub or small tree in the Euphorbiaceae family, native to tropical Africa. It develops upright, branching, three-angled green stems with small paired spines along the ridges and short-lived, spoon-shaped leaves produced near the growing tips. The stems perform most of the plant's photosynthesis and give mature specimens a dense, candelabra-like appearance. Cultivated plants may reach 6-8 ft tall in favorable conditions but remain smaller in containers. The popular cultivar 'Rubra' develops reddish to burgundy stems and leaves in strong light. Like other euphorbias, damaged tissues release a caustic milky latex that can irritate skin and eyes and is toxic if ingested.

Euphorbia trigona grows best in bright light to full sun and very well-drained soil. Allow the soil to dry substantially between waterings, especially during cool weather, as excessive moisture can cause root and stem rot. It tolerates drought well once established and is easily propagated from stem cuttings after the cut surfaces have dried. This frost-sensitive species is suitable outdoors in USDA Zones 10-11 and is widely grown elsewhere as a container or indoor succulent.

Similar plants: Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree )

More similar plants


Image gallery: 11 images
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) with deep purple red succulent stems and narrow leaves
Euphorbia trigona fa. rubra
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) green plant with dark mottled markings close up
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) with segmented succulent columns and small oval green leaves.
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) red and green plant with tall succulent stems and leaves
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) with upright stems bearing small red oval leaves along the edges.
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) with purple and green succulent plant leaves close up
Euphorbia trigona fa. rubra
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) with purple green stems and small plant leaves growing together
Euphorbia trigona fa. rubra
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) with green stems and red leaves close up plant
Euphorbia trigona fa. rubra
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) green and purple plant columns in terracotta pots close up
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) stems with green and purple foliage in multiple clay pots.
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) green and purple plant with upright columnar stems
Euphorbia trigona fa. rubra
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) purple green plant with sharp thorns in pots.
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) stems grow upward with oval leaves and sharp thorny ridges.
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) green leaves on thorny stems in close up
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) with thick thorny stems and small light green oval leaves
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) green plant with thick stems and many small leaves
Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) with thick columns and small foliage growing in vertical stalks.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/euphorbia_trigona.htm
About Tropical Plant Encyclopedia · Pictogram Guide·